Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Sevilla!! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Pitzer College) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/12/2014 with

Spanish Institute for Global Education / SIGE: Study Abroad in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had an incredible time abroad and learned to fully experience new cultures that are different from my own. I also participated in a teaching internship program and that greatly improved my experience. I would recommend that every student who studies abroad participates in some type of internship or service learning.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes at the University of Sevilla are much different than courses taught at the Claremont colleges. I was accustomed to seminar-style classes that required participation. Because the university was larger, classes were mostly lecture-based. Additionally, classes were all taught by Spanish professors (some with limited-English language knowledge). Although the classes were taught in Spanish, there was some leniency because all students are still learning the language. The class topics were interesting but often not extremely stimulating (but I account that to the fact that I am accustomed to smaller, more intimate class settings).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at SIGE is extremely helpful and kind!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an incredible host mother! Everything was arranged by SIGE and they were always checking in to make sure that I felt comfortable and welcomed in my home stay - which I did!

* Food:

Spanish cuisine is incredible! My host mom made great food and was understanding about foods that I didn't like. Although it is important to try everything - living in another country allows you the opportunity to try new foods!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Sevilla. This is not to say that it is a city without crime. Like any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. I never felt uncomfortable walking at night (as long as I was with a friend).

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All of my meals were included in the program costs so I tried to eat at home as much as possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 semesters in college
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak Spanish all the time - even with your English-speaking friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Language Component
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions (Luis Miguel was incredible! But maybe add other excursions?)
  • Larger group of students (not too big but maybe a few more)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to start participating in my internship sooner! This was my decision - I wanted to get acclimated to living in a new city before I started my internship but I know now that I would have been comfortable starting it sooner.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.